About Yakov

• I have over 20 years experience as a music teacher, conductor, theater/orchestra director and a performer in Russia, Norway and the United States. • I possess excellent interpersonal skills and over the years developed the ability to communicate efficiently and connect with every student I teach.• I am creative and enthusiastic while working with people of all ages. • I have a reputation of being passionate about achieving professional goals.

Employment:09/08- Present NYC Board of Education, P.S. 48• Band & Orchestra Director• Teach children K-5 to play musical instruments in small groups and large ensembles• Organize and perform Winter and Spring Concerts

05/99-06/06 School for Musical Performance, Brooklyn, NY • Instructed students on Piano, Guitar, All string and wind instruments and vocals.• Prepared students for the auditions to the prestigious schools and other music organizations.

1993-1997 St. Petersburg Radio Orchestra, Russia• Principal BassoonistOther work experience: • Performed as a bassoonist with The Kirov Opera & Ballet Theatre, the Mussorgsky Opera & Ballet Theatre, The St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, The Chamber Opera Orchestra of St. Petersburg and other Symphony and Chamber orchestras of St. Petersburg, Russia• Performed Solo Recitals in Russia, Poland, Norway and United States

Education: 06/98 The St. Petersburg Conservatory of Music, St. Petersburg, Russia M.A. in Music: Major – Bassoon Performance; Minor – Conducting 06/91 The St. Petersburg College of Music named after Rimsky-Korsakov, RussiaB.A. with a Double Major in Orchestral Performance (Bassoon) and Music Education

*** Lesson Details ***Hi there!Would you just like to learn a few songs on the piano, violin or guitar? Or you'd like your child be become next Joshua Bell or Evgenij Kissin? My lessons are designed with each individual student in mind. I will start my lesson with introduction and proceed with warm-up routine. I always make sure that the student is comfortable with the pace that I am offering. I am mixing elements of music theory, history and performance techniques in order to help my student to embrace the beauty of music making experience. All my students are ready to perform at the recital after just 3-4 months of lessons.

Reviews

Very knowledgeable, attentive to details, and experienced teacher. My son makes a significant progress working with him. We are very happy that we found Yakov to help us with the saxophone practice!

Ella O. October 28, 2016·Piano·In studio

Great lesson, looking forward to more.

Jacquline W. February 10, 2016·Piano·In home

Yakov,
Was a GOD SENT GIFT. I REALLY ENJOYED THE INITIAL LESSON. I AM ANTICIPATING ALL FUTURE LESSONS WITH YAKOV. HE WAS EVERYTHING I PRAYED FOR. HE WAS PLEASANT, PATIENT AND VERY KNOWLEGABLE.
HE MADE ME FEEL VERY COMFORTABLE. YAKOV. WILL BE MY MUSIC
INSTRUCTOR WHO WILL TEACH ME TO PLAY, THE VIOLIN AND THE GUITAR.YAKOV IS THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Yakov D.

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Yakov D.

Online

(11)

starting at

$40
/ 30-min

About Maureen S.

About Maureen

•The styles I teach most often are jazz, classical and popular. Although I have studied many different genres, my specialties are saxophone and composition. I have studied with music teachers such as Anthony Braxton, Herb Pomeroy, Charlie Banacos, Jerry Bergonzi, Gary Burton, Joe Viola, Ken Pullig, John LaPorta, Hal Crook, James Newton and Ken Radnofsky. If you are enrolled by October, you have the opportunity to enroll in MTAC Certificate of Merit and Composer's Today programs and recitals.

•9/1997 – Present San Lorenzo (CA) Unified School District Independent Music Teacher 9/1990  11/1997 St. Felicitas School SanLeandro, CA St. John School Fiat School of Music Music Unlimited San Lorenzo, CA Pinole, CA San Leandro, CA Provide individual and group music instruction to people from age 3 to 99. Deliver instruction based on Music Tea

• Listed in Who’s Who Among International Professional Educators. • Listed in Who’s Who in American Education • Listed in Who’s Who Among American Women • Listed in Who’s Who in America • Six Lessons published in • Recognition for Self-Assembly Method Instructional Design Theory • Published article in OnCUE, Journal of Computer Using Educators

• Member Music Educators National Conference • Member Technology Institute for Music Educators. Lesson plan published on their Web Site. • Member California Music Educators and present music technology sessions for educators at the Bay Section Conferences.

• Deliver instruction in the area of the curriculum pertaining to National and District Music Standards. • Create and implement lesson plans, rubrics and assessments. • Organize and produce Winter and Spring Concerts. • Experience working with children with challenging behaviors and disabilities (Special Day Class and Continuation School).

• Provide children with learning experiences that promote their cognitive, social and emotional development. • Experience in teaching students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. • Communicate with parents. Handle record-keeping of grades and attendance. • Work cooperatively with other education professionals.

• Organize and produce Winter and Spring Recitals, including County Recitals for the National Guild of Piano Teachers. Communicate with parents. Handle advertising and record-keeping of tuition payments.  Vice-President of the Alameda County Branch of the Music Teachers Association of California. Attend Board meetings and plan guest speakers  Licensed Kindermusik instructor for children ages 18 mos. to 7 years.  Students chosen for State and County Honors Recitals.  Listed in National Honor Roll, National Guild of Piano Teachers; Member Music Teachers National Association.  Taught Undergraduate Musicianship class as a Graduate Assistant at Mills College.

•Professional Freelance Musician 9/1984  12/1995 Boston, MA; Bay Area, CA Performed own compositions and others works in various styles in innumerable local venues and clubs such as The Oakland Museum, Yerba Buena Gardens, The Valencia Café, Trans America Building, the Marriott Hotel, as well as in Las Vegas. She have performed with musicians such as Vijay Iyer, Anthony Braxton, MCHammer, Luciana Souza, Lloyd Nibbs (Skatalites), Fred Lonberg-Holm,Andy Borger (Norah Jones), Stuart Popejoy, Aaron Stewart, SheilaSofian, William Calhoun (Living Color), Sean Kennerly (Samiam) and Joey Cheezhee. CD Recording on Curious Pogos Records:Frederick Lonberg Holms Theory of Motion.  Composed music on Sheila Sofians Animations Faith and Patience and Secret Rage. Won 15 awards in International and National Film Festivals. Broadcast on WHYY TV12 and WYBE TV35 Educational Stations.  Honorable Mention in Composition: City of Oakland Creative Arts Fellowship.  Live Performances on KPFA, KNBR and KALX radio stations.

•EDUCATION Ph.D. in Education (10/2013). Specialization in Professional Studies Capella University Teaching Credential: K-12 Single Subject Music 8/1999 Chapman University GPA 3.9 US-CA-Concord Master of Fine Arts degree in Electronic Music and Recording Media with an emphasis in Composition 5/1992 Mills College GPA 3.64 US-CA-Oakland Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Composition and Arranging 5/1987 Berklee College of Music US-CA-Boston GPA 3.59 Cum Laude

*** Lesson Details ***I am interested in teaching you what you need and want to learn so that you achieve your dreams. Please note that I only take serious students who will practice at least 30 minutes every day or 35 a day 6 days a week at home. I would like you to keep a log of how much you practice. This will enable you to make progress through the curriculum as you will be a beginner for the first 3.3 years, an intermediate for the next 3.3 years, and then an advanced student for 3.3 years. I will give you assignments to do over the week, and the next week we will go over them, learn something new and get new assignments. It takes 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert!

*** Studio Equipment ***Currently I am converting my detached garage into a music studio with keyboard and instruments. There is a sitting room where parents can wait for their children. In the meantume, we will have lessons in my living/dining room.

Reviews

I highly recommend Dr Maureen Spanza . She has been wonderful with teaching my granddaughter

Kristina B. March 1, 2017·Violin·In studio

Wonderful teacher.. very happy

Ruth January 9, 2017·Piano·In studio

Dr. Maureen Spranza, is a great music teacher, my son is taking piano classes with her and I'm very grateful with her, because she always take the extra time to make sure my kid is learning, my kid loves Mrs. Maureen because she is a great teacher but also she is a great human being, she really cares about her students. And she not only plays the piano, she plays all the instruments, I hope to see my son become a great musician thanks to the dedication that Maureen puts in his classes, my kid loves his piano classes, every time after clases he came home very exited to practice what he learned and al of this if because Dr. Maureen encourage him to be better in Avery class

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Maureen S.

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Maureen S.

San Leandro, CA 94577

(12)

starting at

$50
/ 30-min

About Joe D.

Focus on strong foundation and then the lessons focus on achieving the personal goal of each student. Whether that be classical or jazz. An extensive practice routine is built for each student depending on ability level that will help achieve their goal. Subject that can be covered include scale study, improvisation, transcribing, learning tunes, preparing for college auditions and much more.

Joe D.

Joe D.

About Mack R.

Educated as a band teacher, I am capable o assisting students in perfecting their skills on any of the saxophones .

About Mack

I have a BS in music education received at Lehman College, Bronx, NY. I am a professional musician/ composer/ arranger.I received my teaching credentials at SFSU and have been a General music teacher as well as a, band teacher. I have studied trumpet with Classical ( Wilmer Wise)and Jazz musician (Bill Hardman) and big band arranging with Frank Foster( saxophonist and arranger with Count Basie Band). At present I am retired and teaching privately.

I have been teaching music for over 50 years as well as being a professional musician/ composer and arranger. I not only know my fundamentals inside and out, but also I know many tricks of the trade. Over the years I have developed special teaching techniques that enable students to make sense out of music and progress rapidly on their instruments.I love playing music and aim at stirring that

same kind of excitement abut music in my students.

To each lesson I bring a unique mix, encouraging the student to pursue excellence and also have fun. I am well qualified to teach: woodwinds( oboe, flute, clarinet, all saxophones) brass(french horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba), and piano.

*** Lesson Details ***I make music interesting to learn. I encourage students to practice daily so they can improve. The more they improve the more fun they can have with music not only alone, but with others.

I am very patient with my students especially with beginners. I know that for them it is like learning a new language. Once they begin to increase their musical vocabulary, they will enjoy what they can do with music.

*** Travel Equipment ***Students should provide their own instruments.

...

Reviews

Tyler C. February 27, 2018·Trumpet·In home

Mack is a great teacher supportive, demanding, and keeps positive. Just what my 10 year old son needs.

Sylvia

Kate September 5, 2017·Clarinet·In studio

First clarinet lesson today with Mack Ruck. I'm a rank beginner, which is why I chose Mack. I figured that a band and orchestra teacher would have encountered many of me over his career in the schools, and know how to work with different styles of learning. He also would be able to explain stuff simply from the very base level. I was really right! I came out of the lesson knowing how to read and play middle C through A (not very well, but that's why we practice). I learned ways to make the note actually sound, what you can do to screw up the sound or make it clear and on-key. Not too shabby for starting the half hour without being able to make a sound on the clarinet. So he's a great teacher. He's also the most patient guy on earth, with nerves of iron!

Emiliano A. August 28, 2017·Clarinet·In studio

Mack is an amazing teacher! He is kind but gently moved my son along in his musical skills.

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Mack R.

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Mack R.

Oakland, CA 94607

(24)

starting at

$25
/ 30-min

About gwendolyn b.

As a private instructor, I genuinely encourage efficient practice, solid technique and good tone quality, as well as an appreciation for music. I also incorporate the study of music theory and the study of music fundamentals in my lessons. I have experience teaching the genres of classical, jazz, modern, folk, and pop music and hope to extend the joy of learning music to my students as well as help them grow and gain confidence in order to bring on-going fulfillment to their musical experience.

About gwendolyn

I currently teach private lessons in saxophone, flute, and piano and have experience working with individuals as well as small groups. In 2007, I received a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from the University of Washington where I studied jazz and classical saxophone. For the past 15 years, I have been performing with many professional groups, ranging in styles from big band jazz, classical, samba, funk, to gospel and blues.As a private instructor, I genuinely encourage efficient practice, solid technique and good tone quality, as well as an appreciation for music. I also incorporate the study of music theory and the study of music fundamentals in my lessons. I have experience teaching the genres of classical, jazz, modern, folk, and pop music and hope to extend the joy of learning music to my students. Over the past ten years I

have been able to help my students grow and gain confidence, which brings on-going fulfillment to their musical experience.

...

Reviews

Alexis March 31, 2017·Saxophone·Online

It was an honor and a pleasure working with Gwen. Due to personal circumstances, I had to stop working with her, but I highly recommend her as an instructor. She's very knowledgeable, accommodating, and made me feel comfortable. You'll find yourself in good hands with her.

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gwendolyn b.

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gwendolyn b.

Online

(1)

starting at

$36
/ 30-min

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About Joseph C.

I am a graduate of the University of Miami Studio Music & Jazz school with 20 years of professional experience. I have toured internationally and have played in many diverse musical arenas. The past 16 years of my music career have been spent in the bay area playing professionally and teaching privately.

About Joseph

I am a graduate of the University of Miami Studio Music & Jazz school with over 20 years of professional experience. I have toured internationally and have played in many diverse musical arenas. The past 16 years of my music career have been spent in the Bay area playing professionally and teaching privately.

My specialties are in jazz improvisation and music theory. My students range in age from 4 to 60, most being between the ages of 9 and 16. Many of my students attend the Urban School and School of the Arts here in San Francisco. Most of my students are at the top of their class in band and music theory studies and have made the San Francisco All-City Orchestra.

Specific credentials and references are available upon request. All levels welcome, serious students only.

...

Reviews

Vincent March 6, 2018·Saxophone·In home

My son got his first saxophone lessons and loved it. He is very excited to learn with Joseph!

Eric December 20, 2017·Saxophone·In studio

10/10

Robert G. July 6, 2017·Saxophone·In studio

Very friendly, pragmatic, and musical. Accurately assesses where I am and teaches accordingly.

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Joseph C.

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Joseph C.

San Francisco, CA 94121

(15)

starting at

$25
/ 30-min

About Rebecca K.

About Rebecca

Hello! I am a classically trained vocalist and percussionist, with a BA in Music, specializing in Education and Theory. I have taught band, choir, orchestra and piano in high school and middle school. I have also done Music Directing with kids aged 7-14 for various musicals and have taught elementary students aged 4-9, so I am ready for whatever you've got! I have also appeared on stage in various settings including opera, musical theater, solo work and even the occasional karaoke night. I am willing to work with your schedule and offer scholarships to those who are willing to earn them!

...

Reviews

Maria February 7, 2018·Bassoon·In home

Rebecca is an amazing person and one of the best teacher my son has ever had. She very knowledgeable about music. Rebecca tough him to play the bassoon, and my son has preformed in more than 4 concerts within 7 months period, Rebecca really made a difference in my child performance. She is reliable, very responsible, she always go the extra mile for her students. I highly recommend her as a music teacher.

Rebecca K.

Rebecca K.

About Paul W.

About Paul

Professional musician, engineer, producer, music educator with a lot of experience teaching kids and adults alike.Taught in Germany, The Netherlands, Great Britain, Portugal, Africa , U.S.A. etc.

...

Reviews

Eian Woodward December 8, 2017·Bass Guitar·In studio

An amazing teacher that has truly changed my life, and challenges me to be a better musician every week!

Brian Ellis February 23, 2017·Acoustic Guitar·

Paul has been a tremendous instructor for me and my journey on learning acoustic guitar. During lessons he has also taught me music theory and explained it simply, and through that I feel like the guitar and music in general has been opened up to me and I now see music more clearly. I highly recommend him as an instructor!

Amber Williams January 22, 2017·Music Recording·

Paul is an amazing teacher and mentor. Today we tackled harmonies while recording and it was so special to me. Paul is dedicated to his craft and his students. He prepares for each lesson, whether vocal or piano, and pushes me further along while reinforcing what we learned previously. He's just the perfect balance of strict and encouraging, always leaving me with a lesson that I had not anticipated and a whole lot of fun. I am so happy I found a teacher as great as Paul, he is truly one of a kind!

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Paul W.

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Paul W.

Online

(12)

starting at

$45
/ 30-min

About Eric B.

I've been performing for 10 years and teaching for 6 years. I have experience in many genres, but I mostly have stuck to classical music. I can help with everything from beginning lessons to preparing for an audition and exploring careers in music. My lessons are individually crafted based on the interests and skill level of the student, but always with a focus on solid fundamentals of music and saxophone. Learning an instrument and discovering music are the most rewarding experiences you can have, and getting to know my students is important so that I can adjust my teaching style and they remain curious and motivated. Send me a message and lets talk saxophone!

About Eric

I'm a professional musician, educator, and arts administrator. I have Bachelor's degree in Music Performance and a Masters degree in Arts Administration, both from Florida State University.

As a musician, I play as a soloist and with chamber ensembles in the Bay Area. I've performed in concert halls and music festivals throughout the United States and Europe, and my recordings have been featured on NPR's Performance Today. As an educator and clinician, I've held residencies and given masterclasses Universities and music schools around the country including Northern Arizona University, SUNY Fredonia, Florida State University, Sacramento State University, Colorado State University, and others. I'm also a co-founder of the Mana Quartet Saxophone Institute ; a national saxophone workshop for musicians all over the country!

My personally dra

wn to classical/contemporary music but I think that solid fundamentals and having a command of the instrument is essential no matter what style you're playing. I look forward to working with you!

...

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Eric B.

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Eric B.

San Francisco, CA 94121

starting at

$50
/ 30-min

About Cory O.

I have been playing the Saxophone for 17 years, played at Bard College, participated in a jazz band, competed at NYSSMA 4 times, and received a perfect score for every performance. Currently I have been teaching a 10 year old how to play, so I am experienced with beginners and intermediate levels. I like to make my lessons fun yet challenging, I encourage and push my students to be the best possible musicians. I play along with every one of my students, and enjoy it just as much as them.

About Cory

Hello there!

I have been playing the saxophone for 17 years now. I have competed in saxophone competitions, was apart of a jazz band all through high school, was apart of the school's marching band, and participated in NYSSMA 4 years in a row and received a perfect score every year.

I still play my saxophone almost everyday! I cherish the joy it brings to others around me when I play. Growing up I would practice the saxophone for so many hours that it was only natural that my little brother picked up the saxophone as he enters middle school. Over the past four years he has received personal one-on-one lessons from me. Since my teaching structure was based around a fun environment, many of his classmates and friends requested lessons from me which I happily agreed to.

Affordable

Effective

Saxophone Lesson Reviews from Students

Students are raving about their Saxophone instructors on TakeLessons.
Check out some of these recent reviews.

Review by Melissa

"My 11-year-old daughter took lessons from Joe last year. She had never had a lesson before, and didn't even know how to read music. Joe is so patient an

d friendly, and let me stay through the first lesson to make sure she wasn't too nervous. We opted to go to him because first of all, it's cheaper, and second of all, I don't think my neighbors are as understanding about the noise as his are!

He also has a piano, which came in handy! My daughter started to look forward to it every week, and she progressed faster than we thought. Highly recommend!"

...

San Francisco, CA teacher:
Joseph C.

Review by Robert

"Very friendly, pragmatic, and musical. Accurately assesses where I am and teaches accordingly."

San Francisco, CA teacher:
Joseph C.

Review by Jeff Harris

"Fun"

San Francisco, CA teacher:
Joseph C.

Review by Mish

"An amazing instructor, Joseph knew exactly where I was and what I needed to do to get to the next level. His instruction is easy to understand and fun, an

d extremely effective. I could tell I was improving immediately and was excited to come back and learn more."

...

San Francisco, CA teacher:
Joseph C.

Review by William T Dunlap

"Took a few minutes but quickly started playing the scale. I have never played a horn or woodwind instrument and was quite surprised at how quickly Joe got

me playing. Very personal and easy to work with. NO worries here."

...

San Francisco, CA teacher:
Joseph C.

Review by Sam

"Mack's a great teacher, we recommend him!"

San Francisco, CA teacher:
Mack R.

Review by Vincent

"My son got his first saxophone lessons and loved it. He is very excited to learn with Joseph!"

San Francisco, CA teacher:
Joseph C.

Review by Evan

"Mack was awesome !"

San Francisco, CA teacher:
Mack R.

Review by Alex

"Joseph was quick to identify my strengths and where I could use a bit of work to tailor a plan to get my sax chops back. He's also teaching me music theo

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Thinking about buying a new instrument? It's a big decision, as an instrument is truly an investment -- especially if you're spending several hundred dollars (or more, for higher-end brands and models) on it.
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Here's What to Know Before Buying an Instrument

Thinking about buying a new instrument? It's a big decision, as an instrument is truly an investment -- especially if you're spending several hundred dollars (or more, for higher-end brands and models) on it.
Before making your purchase, you'll want to do some research. But where do you start? With so many brands out there, how do you know which ones are worth the money? What do you really need to ensure years of playing and practicing?
We came across a great article over on Donna Schw

Is Saxophone Hard to Learn? Read This Before Taking Lessons.

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Choosing a Neck Strap | How to Play Saxophone Tips

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The saxophone is a unique instrument for many reasons. One example is that the saxophone is the only band instrument that uses a neck strap. Unfortunately, the neck strap is often the most overlooked aspect of playing the instrument. One of the first things that I stress to a new student is the importance of the neck